Methods and apparatus for electronic file use and management

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating online storage of files (e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchange by the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyright holders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback service that does not store additional versions of an audio file when the file is transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device without buffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by not making copies of the file. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

The present application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/747,092, filed May 11, 2006, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing file use and management systems, including existing fileexchange systems, typically make copies of the files. Such practice mayviolate copyright laws. What is needed are file use and managementsystems and methods that avoid making copies of the files.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain aspects of the invention, a method is provided includingstoring a first copy of an audio file, the first copy of the audio filebeing owned by a first party who does not have custody of the first copyof the audio file; receiving a request for playback of the audio file;verifying the request is from the first party; and transmitting a signalrepresentative of the first copy of the audio file to one or moreplayback devices associated with the first party, the playback devicesbeing operative to receive the signal and play the audio file withoutstoring any portion of the audio file for longer than a minimal timethat the playback devices may require to play the portion upon receivingthe portion of the audio file.

In other aspects of the invention, a method is provided includingstoring a first copy of a file associated with a first party having anownership right in the first copy of the file, the file being acopyrightable expression; and providing playback of the first copy ofthe file on a device associated with the first party without making asecond copy of the file.

In yet other aspects of the invention, a method is provided includingstoring a copy of each of a plurality of files, each copy associatedwith a first party having an ownership right in each stored copy of thefiles; and providing remote playback of any copy of the files to thefirst party without violating copyrights of copyright owners of thefiles.

In still yet other aspects of the invention, a method is providedincluding storing a number of copies of a file, each copy associatedwith a different party, each party having an ownership right in at leastone of the stored copies of the file; and providing concurrent remoteplayback of the copies of the files to the parties without violatingcopyrights of copyright owners of the files.

In further aspects of the invention, a method is provided includingstoring a number of copies of a file, the copies associated with anorganization, the organization having an ownership right in the copies;admitting a plurality of parties as members of the organization; andproviding concurrent remote playback of the copies of the files to themembers without violating copyrights of copyright owners of the files.

In yet further aspects of the invention, a method is provided includingstoring a copy of a file associated with a first party having anownership right in the copy of the file, the ownership right beingsubject to a restriction; and providing remote playback of the copy ofthe file to the first party without violating a copyright of a copyrightowner of the file and without violating the restriction.

In still yet further aspects of the invention, a device for playback ofa file is provided including an interface module adapted to requestplayback of a first copy of a file associated with a first party havingan ownership right in the first copy of the file, the file being acopyrightable expression; and a file playback module coupled to theinterface module and adapted to receive and concurrently playback,without storing, the first copy of the file.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following detailed description, the appendedclaims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an example embodiment of a systemaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment of a firstexemplary method according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting an example embodiment of a secondexemplary method according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be used to facilitate online storage of files(e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchangeby the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyrightholders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback servicethat does not store additional versions of an audio file when the fileis transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device withoutbuffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by notmaking copies of the file.

Referring to FIG. 1, embodiments of the present invention may include asystem 100 that provides an exchange service 102, a custodial service104, and a playback service 106 for exchanging, storing, and/orplaying/accessing files, respectively, in the system 100. As indicatedabove, the system 100 of the present invention may be adapted to workwith any number of different file types including, for example, musictracks, application service provider (ASP) data, objects, and/orapplication files, software applications, data or graphics compilations(e.g., LEXIS® database information, various directories, maps, etc.),movies, television shows, video games, animations, computerpresentations, websites, news feeds, etc. As used herein and unlessotherwise specified, the term playback may refer to playing or accessinga file or a portion thereof.

An exchange service 102 or function according to the present inventionmay be embodied as a computer server or host executing one or moresoftware applications and/or operating systems (OS). In some embodimentsan operator may control aspects of the server's operation and in otherembodiments the server may be fully automated. The exchange service 102may be coupled to and communicate with other devices, servers orservices (e.g., a custodial service 104, a playback service 106, userdevices 108, 110, 112, a file distribution server, etc.) eitherdirectly, for example, via a secure network or indirectly, for example,via intermediary servers or the Internet 114. Users may access theexchange service 102 or receive transmissions from the exchange service102 via any number of various different user devices 108, 110, 112including, for example, cellular phones, networked computers, wirelesspersonal digital assistants (PDAs), hand held devices, satellite radioreceivers, media players (e.g., Apple®, Inc. iPod®, SanDisk® Sansa®,Toshiba® Gigabeat®, etc.) that may be modified to access a network, WiFidevices including, for example, laptop computers, the Nokia® 770Internet Tablet®, etc. In some embodiments, the exchange service 102 mayinclude an interface 116 (e.g., user and/or operator interface) embodiedas a web page (e.g., an HTML or XML based world wide web (WWW) page)while in others, the user devices may include interfaces 118, 120, 122.

The exchange service 102 may include facilities for effecting monetary,barter, or other transactions. For example, the exchange service 102 mayinclude security features and protocols adapted to permit connections tobanks, credit card companies, other secure financial institutions,and/or the automated clearing house (ACH) network operated by theFederal Reserve. The exchange service 102 may also be adapted topurchase and transfer files from other parties that sell any of thevarious types of files. The exchange service 102 may, for example, storesuch files with the custodial service 104 discussed in detail below.

The exchange service 102 may include auditing capabilities that provideaccounting information and file verification functions. For example, theexchange service 102 may include means to uniquely identify eachinstance of a copy of a file (e.g., by assigning or associating a serialnumber and/or using an electronic “wartermark” incorporated into thecontent of the file) so that at any given moment, all files within thedomain of the exchange service 102 can be verified as “legal,”non-pirated, copyright compliant copies of the files. Further, theexchange service 102 may store historical information regarding who haspurchased and sold a particular instance of a file so that a chain oftitle may be determined. The exchange service 102 may include programsto compile and/or aggregate the chain of title information with othertransaction information such as, for example, sales price and time onmarket to determine marketing information. In some embodiments, theexchange service 102 may use such information to set prices for files.

In operation the exchange service 102 may function as a convenient meansto resell or acquire previously owned and new copies of files. In otherwords, the exchange service 102 may function as a market place forbuying and selling “legal,” non-pirated, copyright compliant copies offiles. The exchange service 102 may facilitate transactions between manydifferent parties, for example, transactions between two or more users(e.g., exchange service members, customers, subscribers, anonymousparties, etc.); between retailers (e.g., iTunes®, Napster®, Walmart®,etc.) and users; between retailers and the custodial service 104(described below); between users and the custodial service 104; betweenretailers and the custodial service 104 on behalf of users (with orwithout the participation of users in the transaction); etc. Intransactions between retailers and the custodial service 104 on behalfof users, a user may not be aware that a file is purchased from theretailer on their behalf. In some embodiments, the custodial service 104may store user financial account information and simply receiveauthorization to make purchases for the user.

For example, a user who typically listens to music on a Palm® Treo®Smartphone may browse to an interface website 116 maintained by theexchange service 102. The website 116 may list a number of music tracksavailable for purchase along with current prices for each. Each listingof a particular track may correspond to a specific instance of a copy ofthe music track stored, for example, with the custodial service 104. Theuser may select a desired track for purchase, at which point theexchange service 102 may debit the users bank or credit card account andeffect a title transfer of the purchased track within the custodialservice 104. The actual transfer may involve merely changing data bitsrepresentative of ownership, access and/or playback rights (e.g., rightsassociated with the file that is the purchased music track) to reflectthe new ownership of the track by the purchaser and the removal ofrights from the seller. In this manner, files may be bought and sold byvarious parties without making any additional copies of the files and,at the same time, insuring that copyrights of copyright holders of thefiles being bought and sold are not violated. In a situation in which afile is not already stored within the custodial service 104, media(e.g., a CD or a DVD) containing a legal copy of the file may bephysically sent to the custodial service 104 to be added to thecustodial service's repository 124 of files as described in detailbelow. In such embodiments, the exchange service 102 may verify and/orserve to provide verification that only one copy of a given instance ofa file copy is permitted to exist. In other words, the exchange service102 may verify that media containing a copy of a file is destroyedimmediately after or while a file is put into the custodial service'srepository 124 of files. In some embodiments, the custodial service'srepository 124 of files may include the media. Similarly, the exchangeservice 102 may be integrated with a playback service 106 (describedbelow) to verify and/or serve to provide verification that only one copyof a given instance of a file copy is permitted to exist duringplayback.

As indicated above, the exchange service 102 may record transactioninformation associated with a file and store a history of thisinformation. An aggregation of this information may be used to setprices, determine file values, for marketing or advertising purposes,for inventory management purposes, to create or offer upsellopportunities (e.g., additional offers of related products or services),to determine membership levels/status/qualifications, and to conductaudits. This information may also be used to allow the exchange service102, or an integrated service such as the custodial service 104, topurchase/acquire files for sale to users. The information may be used todetermine the demand for a particular file and/or an appropriate pricethat the exchange service 102 should pay to acquire the file, e.g., forresale. In some embodiments, the exchange service 102 may use theaggregated information to predict future demand for a file and offerpurchasers of the file a buy back guarantee or provision. Such aprovision would allow the purchaser to sell the file back to theexchange service 102 for a determined price at some future date, forexample, after the purchaser has accessed or played the file, if thepurchaser is unable to sell the file to a third party, and/or wheneverthe purchaser wants. The buy back price may be determined at the time ofthe original sale or at a future date. The buy back price may be afunction of the transaction information or other factors. The buy backprovision may be optional and election of the provision may effect theoriginal purchase price either positively or negatively. In alternativeembodiments, the buy back provision may be mandatory. In someembodiments, the exchange service 102 may be able to aggregate thedemand for a particular file in order to purchase multiple copies of thefile at a bulk discount rate on behalf of a number of users. Thus, theexchange service 102 facilitates transactions that do not violatecopyrights. The exchange service 102 may further provide verification ofthe non-existence or destruction of file copies; it may integrate withthe custodial service 104 for effecting legal transfers while recordingall transactions; and it may integrate with the playback service 106 toenable use of transferred files without violating copyrights.

The exchange service 102 may be adapted to support may different typesof transactions. In addition to fixed price transactions, the service102 may provide dynamic pricing based on any number of various factors.For example, prices may be continually adjusted based on a market pricedetermined by the exchange service 102 or determined based on ask/bidinformation (e.g., similar to the stock market). In some embodiments,transactions involving the purchase or sale of large collections offiles (or at least two or more files) from one or more parties to one ormore parties may be supported. The pricing may also be dynamic and mayinclude adjustments up or down for, e.g., compete collection premiumsand bulk purchase discounts. The exchange service 102 may also supporttransactions in the form of auction sales, lending, renting,compound/multi-party transactions (e.g., purchase with resaleguarantee), repurchase agreements, conditional sales, etc. For example,a sale of a file could be either unconditional or conditional (e.g., auser selling a file may retain an option to later buy the file back).For example, transactions may be supported in which a user who buys amusic file from a seller must agree that the seller may buy the musicback for, e.g., a future market price, a predetermined portion of thesale price (e.g., seller will give buyer back 90 percent (or 110percent) of whatever price the buyer paid), or a predetermined price,such as e.g., 10 cents. Such a repurchase right may be constrained toparticular times (e.g., after 30 days, after the other person has playedit at least 3 times, within one hour) or anytime at the seller'sdiscretion. In some embodiments, the repurchase right provision may beindicated on the interface 118 of the user device 108 for interactingwith the exchange service 102, the custodial service 104, and/or theplayback service 106, and/or indicated on the interfaces 116, 126, 128of the exchange service 102, the custodial service 104, and/or theplayback service 106 (e.g., a listing that includes a file with arepurchase provision has a certain color that is different than fileswithout such a provision), respectively.

The exchange service 102 of the present invention may be further adaptedto support a variety of different revenue models. For example, theexchange service 102 may charge users a fee for each transactionexecuted for buyers and/or sellers for any of the various differentkinds of transaction types. The fee may be fixed or vary based ondifferent factors such as, for example, transaction type, transactionamount/price, user membership level, frequency of prior transactions,commitments to make future transactions, etc. The exchange service 102may additionally or alternatively generate revenue based on subscriptionand/or membership fees, upsell offers presented to buyers and/or sellersduring and/or after the transactions, through the sale of advertisingopportunities to third parties, by providing third parties access tousers and/or user information for the purpose, for example, of offeringrelated or unrelated services, products, and/or information, transactioninformation and marketing data sales, file popularity information sales,etc.

The exchange service 102 of the present invention may be further adaptedto support different “right to sell/buy” rules. For example, the rightto buy a particular file may be determined based on the first user tobid on the file. This may be referred to as a time based right to buy.Likewise, the service 102 may support a time based right to sell whereinthe first to offer a file for sale gets to sell to the first availablebuyer. Alternatively or secondarily, the right to sell or buy may bebased on delivery (e.g., the first seller to have delivered the file tothe system or the first buyer to make payment). The exchange service 102of the present invention may be further adapted to support the sale ofdifferent types of financial products (e.g., futures contracts, optionscontracts, repurchase agreements, other exchange and non-exchange tradedderivatives, etc.) based on the files as the underlying commodity. Insome embodiments, the exchange service 102 may provide a means to allowa copyright holder to raise funds by selling shares of equity interestin the copyright of a file, for example, in the form of an initialpublic offering sold through the exchange service 102.

A custodial service 104 or function according to the present inventionmay also be embodied as a computer server or host executing one or moresoftware applications and/or operating systems (OS). In some embodimentsan operator may control aspects of the server's operation and in otherembodiments the server may be fully automated. The custodial service 104may be coupled to and communicate with other devices, servers orservices (e.g., an exchange service 102, a playback service 106, userdevices 108, 110, 112, a file distribution server, etc.) eitherdirectly, for example, via a secure network or indirectly, for example,via intermediary servers or the Internet 114. The custodial service 104may include a repository 124 that includes electronic data storagearrays such as, for example, networked RAID systems and/or robotic medialoaders and readers. In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 maystore media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, etc.) with files, such that, for example,the service 104 stores at least one CD for each music album contained inthe repository 124. In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 maybe embodied as a “back-end” service, that is not accessed or useddirectly by users and that interacts only with front-end services like,for example, the exchange service 102 and the playback service 106. Insome embodiments, however, users may directly access the custodialservice 104 or directly receive transmissions from the custodial service104 via various different user devices 108, 110, 112 including, forexample, cellular phones, networked computers, wireless personal digitalassistants (PDAs), hand held devices, satellite radio receivers, mediaplayers (e.g., Apple®, Inc. iPod®, SanDisk® Sansa®, Toshiba® Gigabeat®,etc.) that may be modified to access a network, WiFi devices including,for example, laptop computers, the Nokia® 770 Internet Tablet®, etc. Insome embodiments, the custodial service 104 may include an interface 126(e.g., user and/or operator interface) embodied as a web page (e.g., anHTML or XML based world wide web (WWW) page) while in others, the userdevices 108, 110, 112 may each include an interface 118, 120, 122.

The custodial service 104 may include auditing capabilities that providetracking information and file verification functions. For example, thecustodial service 104 may include means to uniquely identify eachinstance of a copy of a file (e.g., by assigning or associating aserial/identification number and/or using an electronic “watermark”incorporated into the content of the file) so that at any given moment,all files within the domain of the custodial service 104 can be verifiedas “legal,” non-pirated, copyright compliant copies of the files.Further, the custodial service 104 may store historical informationregarding where a particular instance of a file came from, and/or wentto, so that a chain of custody may be determined. The custodial service104 may include programs to compile and/or aggregate the chain ofcustody information with other transfer information such as, forexample, time held by an entity or the number of copies of a particularfile are stored in the custodial service's repository 124 to determinemarketing or inventory management information. In some embodiments, thecustodial service 104 may provide such information, for example, to theexchange service 102.

In operation the custodial service 104 may function as a convenientmeans to allow users not to have to be concerned with maintaining orstoring media containing files. The custodial service 104 may providesecure, reliable, guaranteed storage and management of digital files.Such a service 104 may relieve users of having to have devices withlarge memory and hard disk capacities as well as relieving users ofhaving to have expensive back-up devices, fragile back-up media, andtime consuming back-up procedures. The custodial service 104 may storefiles in a universally accessible, secure, and guaranteed repository124. In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 may provide back-upservices and file format conversion services. In some embodiments, acustodial service 104 may allow users to access exchange service 102functions, for example, to transfer ownership of files without having tomake copies. Likewise, a custodial service 104 may allow users to accessplayback service 106 functions, for example, to play or use fileswithout having to make copies.

In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 and/or the repository 124may be geographically distributed to facilitate playback in multiplegeographically diverse locations. The custodial service 104 may provideload balancing among geographically decentralized and redundant serversto help prevent delays in the functioning of the playback service 106.In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 may provide auditingcapabilities or service to prove system adherence to copyright laws;allow copyright owners alternative revenue models and marketingopportunities; and to collect marketing information. The custodialservice 104 may provide verification of file integrity, authenticity,and originality. For example, the custodial service 104 may compare anewly received copy of a file against a known authentic copy to verifyfile integrity. The custodial service 104 may provide inventory and fileindex management for users, the system 100 including system components,and third parties (e.g., retailers, distributors, advertisers, copyrightholders, etc.).

In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 may support variousmembership or use models. For example, users may be required to purchasea subscription for a fee or to make contributions of files to theservice (e.g., if a user contributes X number of files, the user maystore Y Gb of files). In some embodiments, use of the service 104 may becontingent upon the user acquiring or purchasing an equity ownershipshare in the service 104. Use of the service 104 may be on a pay-per-usebasis. For example, the price per user may be determined based on howmuch of the user's data or how many of the user's files are stored inthe service's repository 124. In some embodiments, use of the service104 may be contingent upon use of other services. For example, a usermay store Y Gb of files, if the user transfers Z number of files via theexchange service 102, or plays back X number of files via the playbackservice 106.

In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 may be adapted to utilizea user's hard drive (e.g., in a user device 108) for local storage. Forexample, the custodial service 104 may make part of a user's hard drivea part of a distributed network for storing encrypted files that onlythe custodial service 104 or the playback service 106 can accessdirectly. In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 may be adaptedto collect, log, aggregate, and compute usage information. For example,the custodial service 104 may collect playback, transfer, and storestatistics for files within the domain of the custodial service 104 orthe domain of other services. For example, the custodial service 104 mayhave information which it logs that indicate which files were accessed,when, where, and by whom. This data is may be valuable and thus, may beaggregated and sold. In some embodiments, this data may be aggregated ina form similar to Billboard® Magazine's Top Ten Songs. However, insteadof being based on the number of plays by radio stations in a weekperiod, a music track's popularity may be much more accuratelydetermined based on the number of user playbacks that occur in a weekperiod). In some embodiments, accesses of files may simply be tracked(e.g., as in a chart of how many times a particular artist's songs wereplayed this year.)

In some embodiments, the custodial service 104 may be adapted topurchase or acquire files on behalf of users directly from retailersand/or distributors. For example, the custodial service 104 may downloadtracks directly from iTunes for a user in response to a user request tothe custodial service 104. In another example, a user may initiate apurchase from iTunes and the custodial service 104 may complete thetransaction and download the track to the custodial service's repository124, recording the ownership of the track as that of the purchasinguser. In yet another example, a user may authorize iTunes to send apurchased track to the custodial service 104.

As indicated above, the custodial service 104 (or exchange service 102)may act as a market player or market maker. In some embodiments, thecustodial service 102 (or exchange service 104) may maintain aninventory of files purchased from members at a discount. The custodialservice 104 (or exchange service 102) may effect or even set the marketprice for files. Using the captured playback, transfer, and storagestatistics discussed above, the custodial service 104 (or exchangeservice 102) may gage demand to predict the prices of files. Usingmarket knowledge, the custodial service 104 (or exchange service 102)may encourage (e.g., provide incentives to) users to acquire files thatother users will buy at higher price in the future. In some embodiments,these functions may allow the custodial service 104 to offer tracks (orother files) to users at almost no cost (e.g., just transaction cost).

A playback (or access) service 106 or function according to the presentinvention may also be embodied as a computer server or host executingone or more software applications and/or operating systems. In someembodiments an operator may control aspects of the server's operationand in other embodiments the server may be fully automated. The playbackservice 106 may be coupled to and communicate with other devices,servers or services (e.g., an exchange service 102, a custodial service104, user devices 108, 110, 112, a file distribution server, etc.)either directly, for example, via a secure network or indirectly, forexample, via intermediary servers or the Internet 114. The playbackservice 106 may use a transmission protocol that allows delivery of afile to a user device 108, 110, 112 at a rate such that the user device108, 110, 112 does not have to buffer, for example, more than a fewbytes of the file before the bytes are played on the device and deletedor over written. The user devices 108, 110, 112 may preclude a user fromstoring a received file, or any part thereof, for any significant orsubstantial amount of time, for example, less than a second or less thanthe time required to play the received portion of the file on thedevice.

Users may access the playback service 106 or receive transmissions fromthe playback service 106 via various different user devices 108, 110,112 including, for example, cellular phones, networked computers,wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs), hand held devices,satellite radio receivers, media players (e.g., Apple®, Inc. iPod®,SanDisk® Sansa®, Toshiba® Gigabeat®, etc.) that may be modified toaccess a network, WiFi devices including, for example, laptop computers,the Nokia® 770 Internet Tablet®, etc. In some embodiments, the playbackservice 106 may include an interface 128 (e.g., user and/or operatorinterface) embodied as a web page (e.g., an HTML or XML based world wideweb (WWW) page) while in others, the user devices 108, 110, 112 mayinclude an interface 118, 120, 122.

The playback service 106 allows media-free playback on-demand withoutcopyright violation. User device 108, 110, 112 memory requirements areminimal and do not change as a user's library of files grows. Theplayback service 106 may also provide play list or file index managementfunctions such as sorting playback order, selecting new files toacquire, suggesting old files to resell, file and/or collection marketvalue information, etc. These functions or features may be provided bythe service 106 directly (e.g., via the playback service interface 128)and/or may be provided or supported by the user devices 108, 110, 112,as described in more detail below. The playback service 106 providesplayback without making copies and with minimal buffering of files asthe files are delivered to the user device 108, 110, 112 and immediatelyplayed on and removed from the device 108, 110, 112. The playbackservice 106 may be adapted to “stream” files to only specific userdevices 108, 110, 112 such that only devices 108, 110, 112 that canverify that any file received will not be stored by the device. Forexample, the device 108, 110, 112 may be required to execute a programthat searches the device looking for file signatures or identificationinformation to verify that files previously played were not stored. Asused herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term streaming may referto a transfer protocol in which the receiving device verifies to theplayback service that received data will not (or cannot) be stored forlonger than necessary to play the data on the device and that thetransmitted data will be sent a rate slightly higher (e.g., +1% to +5%)than the playback rate. In some embodiments, streaming may implementedusing various voice over internet protocols (VOIP). In some embodiments,personal encrypted casting (e.g., V-Cast® as provided by Verizon®) maybe employed.

In some embodiments, the playback service 106 may restrict playback touser devices 108, 110, 112 that are registered with the playback service106 and/or under the control of the playback service 106. For example,the playback service 106 may be able to access the user devices 108,110, 112 to verify compliance with certain user obligations such as, forexample, not storing played back files. In some embodiments, an agent(e.g., an autonomous software module) may be required to run on the userdevices 108, 110, 112 to monitor user compliance and operation of theuser devices 108, 110, 112. The monitoring agent may report back to theplayback service 106 periodically, randomly, and/or before or after eachfile playback, e.g., using an encrypted message. Playback may be limitedby a specific amount of time and/or to a particular number of fileaccesses/“play backs.”

In some embodiments, the playback service 106 may provide facilities toallow different users to share information about their respective playlists with each other. For example, a first user may use the playbackservice 106 to publicize a list and description (e.g., a voice recordingof his comments) of his favorite music tracks. Other users may then usethe playback service 106 to find and access the first users' list. Theplayback service 106 may further facilitate a user acquiring one or moreof the first users' music tracks via the exchange service 102 by passingthe relevant information to the exchange service 102 automatically toinitiate a transaction.

As with the other services 102, 104, the playback service 106 may log,aggregate, and compute usage statistics to set prices, determine filevalues, for marketing or advertising purposes, for inventory managementpurposes, to create or offer upsell opportunities (e.g., additionaloffers of related products or services), to determine membershiplevels/status/qualifications, and to conduct audits. This informationmay also be used to allow the playback service 106, or an integratedservice such as the exchange service 102 and/or custodial service 104,to purchase/acquire files for sale to users. The information may be usedto determine the demand for a particular file and/or an appropriateprice that the exchange service 102 should pay to acquire the file,e.g., for resale. In some embodiments, the aggregated information may beused to predict future demand for a file and offer purchasers of thefile a buy back guarantee or provision.

In some embodiments, the playback service 106 may insure that the system100 remains in compliance with copyright laws and/or file licenseprovisions by locking instances of a file so that the file may not beaccessed. For example, if the system 100 (or its users) holds X numberof licenses to playback a particular music track, the playback service106 may restrict concurrent playback to X or fewer instances of playbackat any given time. Such a restriction may be enforced by the playbackservice 106 even if, for example, one more users may have multiple userdevices 108, 110, 112 that would otherwise be permitted to concurrentlyplayback a given music track.

In some embodiments, the playback service 106 may employ time slicing toinsure that the system 100 remains in compliance with copyright lawsand/or file license provisions. Time slicing of a file allows concurrentaccess of a file but of only different portions of the file. Forexample, in some embodiments, even if only one license to a file is heldby the system 100, two or more different users may still concurrentlyaccess or playback different portions of the file without making copiesof the file and without violating copyright laws and/or file licenseprovisions. The playback service 106 may insure that at any given timethe two or more users playback or access different portions of the fileso that at any given time there is never more than one instance of anyportion of the file. Note that as used herein, the term concurrent maymean two or more copies of a file being played at the same time but notnecessarily synchronized (e.g., one playback started later than another)and the term “same portions being played simultaneously” may meanplayback is synchronized (e.g., both playbacks are started at the sametime). Using these terms, the playback service 106 may allow concurrentplayback of a file without the same portions of the file being playedsimultaneously. More generally, the present invention may allowconcurrent access of a file without the same portions of the file beingaccessed simultaneously.

The present invention may be embodied as an Internet portal in which,for example, integrated embodiments of an exchange service 102, acustodial service 104, and a playback service 106 may be accessiblealong with related products and services of numerous retailers,distributors, copyright holders, and third parties. The integration maybe such that a user does not perceive the separate operation of thedifferent services 102, 104, 106. In some embodiments, the services 102,104, 106 may in fact all be implemented as a single service, twoservices, or four or more services instead of the three specificservices described above.

In some embodiments, the present invention may be implemented as anonline library. Users may access an Internet portal (as described above)that offers to loan files to users without making copies of the files.The online library may charge a membership fee and/or requirecontributions to the library's collection of files. In some embodiments,the online library may be implemented as merely an alternative interfaceor overlay on the commercial Internet portal described above. In someembodiments, a user may “check out” a file for a period of time (or fora number of playbacks) in which the user may have exclusive use of thefile.

In some embodiments, the present invention may be implemented as acollection of files owned by an entity such as a corporation orpartnership. Members or owners of the entity may be required to hold anequity stake in the entity in order to be permitted to access theentity's files. In some embodiments, contribution of files and/orcapital may entitle an individual to become an equity holder. The filesowned by the entity may be held as a joint asset of the equity holdersand the equity holders may be permitted to access the files in the samemanner as described above with respect to the online library via anInternet portal (also as described above). Equity in the entity may besold to the public via, for example, an initial public offering (IPO).An IPO may be used to raise funds to acquire files for the entity or tocompensate equity holders for their contributions to the entity. In someembodiments, the entity may acquire copyrights in files. In someembodiments, copyright owners may contribute copyrights to the entity inexchange for equity in the entity.

The user devices 108, 110, 112 may include new types of devices as wellas versions of commercially available devices that have been modified toinclude features specifically to enable implementation of the presentinvention. For example, a version of the Apple®, Inc. iPod® could becreated with a wireless communications capability and limited (or no)memory for file storage. Such a device could be adapted receive andplayback files without storing the files. Instead of indicating filesstored on the device, the iPod file management interface may be adaptedto remotely manipulate and access files associated with the user in thecustodial service 104, or available for access via the playback service106, or available for purchase via the exchange service 102. In someembodiments, user devices 108, 110, 112 may include additional hardwarefeatures to facilitate other aspects of the present invention. Forexample, a device 108 may include a buy/sell button which allows a userto indicate to the exchange service 102 that a file highlighted on thedevice interface 118 is to be sold if the user owns the file orpurchased if the user does not own the file. A device 108 may include apreview button that allows a user to access a limited portion of a fileas a preview. In some embodiments, for example, a device 108 may includetrading buttons to help expedite transactions, “VCR” control buttons,dials, slides, shuttles, sticks, and/or track pads to make playback,searching, and/or selecting easier, and/or game controls to facilitateinteraction with the services 102, 104, 106 and/or files. Other hardwarefeatures such as display screens and vibration/audible alarms may alsobe included.

In some embodiments, the device 108 may have a limited reception range.For example, the device may provide 802.11g LAN connectivity to theInternet 114, WiFi Internet 114 access, and/or a RF based communicationsprotocol to access the Internet 114. The reception may be restrictedbased on transmission time and/or distance to an Internet access pointor a host (e.g., a user's desktop PC). In some embodiments, the host maybe on a network serving as a controlled link to connect to the services102, 104, 106. In some embodiments, part of the host (e.g., part of auser's hard drive) may be used as local (distributed) storage for files,e.g., under the exclusive control of the custodial service 104. In someembodiments, the system 100 may operate using encrypted files that maybe stored on a user's personal computer and playback may be enabledexclusively via a user device associated or registered with the system100. For example, a wireless device such as the wireless/memory-lessmodified iPod described above, an FM receiver, cell phone, or otherdevice may be adapted to only playback a signal received from aparticular personal computer. Likewise, the personal computer may beadapted to only transmit to the particular user device. In someembodiments, the wireless/memory-less modified iPod described above maybe embodied as a phone with VOIP capabilities. In addition, such a phonemay receive VOIP signals via a wireless protocol such as, for example,via the WiFi protocol.

In some embodiments, the user device 108 may be installed in a vehicle(e.g., embodied as a WAN/Satellite signal receiver). Such a device mayreceive or download files (e.g., without copying as described above orwith a playback restriction such as, e.g., a limited number of playbacks) when the vehicle is within transmission range (e.g., transmissionrange of a wireless LAN, 802 protocols, WiFi, Bluetooth®, etc.) of auser PC or from the user PC via, for example, a cell phone, an RFsignal, and/or radiotelephone, etc. The device may be permanentlyinstalled in the vehicle or it may include a removable head unit thatmay connect to other playback equipment or the PC.

In some embodiments, the user device 108 may be implemented as aconventional cell phone or wireless PDA adapted to receive a call inwhich the file is played back to the user. To improve sound quality andinsure the file is not copied, digital protocols such as VOIP may beemployed. In some embodiments, multi-channel (e.g., stereo) informationmay be encoded in the digital signal and the phone may be adapted todecode the multi-channel information as it is received to create, forexample, stereo sound. The phone may be further adapted to play backmulti-channel sound, for example, through the use of connected stereoheadphones or a multi-channel amplifier and speaker system. A desktop orautomobile mounted cradle may be used to facilitate connection of thephone or PDA to stereo headphones or a multi-channel amplifier andspeaker system.

In some embodiments, the services 102, 104, 106 and the user devices108, 110, 112 may include interfaces 116, 126, 128, 118, 120, 122,respectively. As discussed above, the user device interfaces 118, 120,122 may include any number of hardware interface features to facilitateoperation of and interaction with the devices 108, 110, 112. Likewise,the services' interfaces 116, 126, 128 include any number of hardwareinterface features to facilitate operation of and interaction with theservices 102, 104, 106. Further, both the services' interfaces 116, 126,128 and the user device interfaces 118, 120, 122 may includesoftware-based interface features to facilitate operation of andinteraction with the services 102, 104, 106 and the user devices 108,110, 112. For example, a users play list can be integrated or linkedwith the exchange service 102 (e.g., to make purchasing suggestions,marketing offers, and/or to show a current value of each of the user'sfiles). The listing of files for sale in the exchange service 102 canindicate the types of transactions or transfers available for each file.

The interfaces 116, 126, 128, 118, 120, 122 may include softwareinterface features that provide access to a recommendation system inwhich information about files and/or actual file samples may be sharedwith other users or with a “buddy” list of users. The device may includea graphical user interface that supports playback of, and access to, allfile types (e.g., video, music, applications, games, ASP, databases,etc.). The software interface may support security features such as alogin protocol, and automation features such as automated login or a“no-click” file purchase method. For example, the example wireless iPoddescribed above (or any other media player hardware/software device) maybe configured to automatically login to the custodial service 104,provide the required authentication information (e.g., username andpassword), and obtain a list of the user's music tracks. In someembodiments, a part of the required login could be machine-enteredinformation like the media access control (MAC) identifier of theexample wireless iPod and /or some of its components. In other words,some information would not have to be entered by the user, but thedevice may be adapted to nevertheless transmit the information so thatthe information may be used for login/security/authentication purposes.In some embodiments, the software interface may be configurable to allowdefault login information to be changed as well as allow a user toactivate or deactivate, for example, an auto login feature.

The interfaces 116, 126, 128, 118, 120, 122 may also include softwareinterface features that support the repurchasing of previously ownedfiles. For example, a user's “play list” or list of files may include anindication of files that were previously owned but then sold (e.g., asong name is visible on a play list but is grayed out or otherwise has adifferent appearance). If that file or equivalent (i.e., same musictrack but a different user's copy of it) is currently available forsale, then such information may be indicated (e.g., a star next to thelisting, a “buy-now” icon). The interfaces 116, 126, 128, 118, 120, 122may further include software interface features to aid in the purchasingof music. In some embodiments, the exchange service interface 116 mayinclude transaction features such as file selection controls, paymentcontrols, terms selection controls, etc. The exchange service interface116 may further include a graphical user interface (GUI) control adaptedto allow users to direct the custodial service 104 to purchase files onbehalf of the users or other members or customers.

In some embodiments, the exchange service 102 may buy financial productsfrom, and/or sell financial products to, users. For example, theexchange service 102 may sell repurchase agreements for files and/orfile futures contracts. A repurchase agreement for a file from an ownerof the file includes both a first agreement to provide funds in exchangefor the file and a second agreement to repurchase the file. A filefutures contract is a contract that may be traded via the exchangeservice 102 to buy or sell a file at a certain date in the future, at apre-set price. For example, the exchange service 102 may allow a user topurchase a contract that specifies that the exchange service 102 willsell the user a particular music track for $1 in one year. If the valueof the music track is more than $1 plus the price of the contract, theuser reaps the benefit.

In some embodiments, the exchange service 102 may generate market datafeeds. Similar to a Reuters® or Bloomberg® data feed, the price ofvarious files may be continuously reported in a data feed format. Theinterfaces 116, 126, 128, 118, 120, 122 may display the feed orinformation contained in the feed to users and/or operators of thesystem 100. In some embodiments, information from the exchange service102 (e.g., a market data feed) may be used to provide a user with filecollection pricing or value information. For example, a user's entirecollection of music may be priced or valued based on, e.g., the sum ofthe current market value of each music track the user owns.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may employ a file transfer orcommunications protocol that is specifically adapted to ensure thatfiles transmitted using the protocol are not stored or copied. Morespecifically, the system 100 of the present invention may use a protocol(e.g., implemented in network adapters and/or operating systems of thesystem's various components) that assures that only a preset maximumnumber of bytes, or portion of a file, may be permitted to be received,processed, and deleted (or overwritten) before subsequent bytes of thefile are permitted to be transmitted and/or received. For example, theprotocol may assure that a music file transmitted to a user device isprocessed (e.g., played on the device) and deleted as the file is beingreceived by the device. Such a protocol may be used to guarantee thatonly a limited portion of the file is temporarily buffered and only foras long as is required to process the file. The protocol may furtherinsure that processing the file does not include transferring the fileto memory, a storage device, or other devices that could potentiallycapture the file. For example, the protocol may require that the filemay only be transferred to known/registered output devices (e.g., aparticular digital to analog converter/amplifier combination) in userdevices 108, 110, 112 that are incapable of storing the file. Theprotocol may be implemented such that an indicator bit, tag, token, orcode word (e.g., included in a file being transferred) conveys toprotocol compliant hardware and software that the file is copyrightedand is to only be transferred with minimal buffering and without beingstored or copied in transit or at the destination. In some embodiments,the protocol compliant hardware and software may be adapted to recognizecopyrighted files themselves, for example, via a database of file“signatures.”

The present invention includes many different methods as indicated abovein the description of the apparatus of the invention. However, twoexemplary methods are depicted in the flow charts of FIGS. 2 and 3 tofurther illustrate aspects of the invention. Although a specificsequence of a specific number of steps are identified, it will beunderstood that the invention may be embodied using fewer steps or anynumber of additional steps or sub-steps executed in any practicableorder.

Turning to FIG. 2, the first exemplary method 200 begins at Step S1wherein a copy of an audio file is stored by the custodial service 104.The copy of the audio file is owned by a party who does not have custodyof the audio file. In Step S2, a request for playback of the audio fileis received by the playback service 106. In Step S3, the request forplayback is verified to be from the party that owns the file. In someembodiments, the playback service 106 may provide the custodial service104 with an identifying password provided to the playback service 106automatically by a user device 108. The custodial service 104 may usethe password to verify the stored audio file is associated with thedevice 108 or user. For example, the stored audio file may include acopy of the password and a match between the provided password and thestored password may indicate to the system 100 that the user of thedevice 108 is in fact the owner of the stored audio file. In Step S4, asignal representative of the copy of the audio file is transmitted tothe user device 108 associated with the owner of the audio file copy.The user device is operative to receive the signal and play the audiofile without storing any portion of the audio file for longer than aminimal time that the user device requires to play the received portionof the audio file.

Turning to FIG. 3, the second exemplary method 300 begins at Step S5wherein a number of copies of a file are stored by the custodial service104. Each copy may be associated with a different party. Each party hasan ownership right in at least one of the stored copies of the file. InStep S6, the playback service 106 provides concurrent remote playback ofthe copies of the files to the parties without violating copyrights ofcopyright owners of the files. In Step S7, the playback service 106limits the number of concurrent remote playback transmissions based uponthe number of copies stored. In Step S8, playback to a party requestingplayback is delayed until the number of concurrent remote playbacktransmissions is less than the number of copies stored. For example, asremote playback transmissions complete, the number of concurrent remoteplayback transmissions decreases and the system 100 allows a newplayback transmission to commence in response to the party requestingthe new playback transmission of the file.

The foregoing description discloses only particular embodiments of theinvention; modifications of the above disclosed methods and apparatuswhich fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, while the presentinvention has been disclosed in connection with specific embodimentsthereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall withinthe spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the followingclaims.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A method comprising: storing a number of copies ofa file, each copy associated with a different party, each party havingan ownership right in at least one of the stored copies of the file; andproviding concurrent remote playback of the copies of the files to theparties without violating copyrights of copyright owners of the files,wherein providing remote playback of the copies is limited to a maximumnumber of concurrent instances of providing remote playback based uponthe number of copies stored; and wherein playback to a party is delayeduntil the concurrent instances of providing remote playback is less thanthe maximum number.
 27. (canceled)
 28. A method comprising: storing anumber of copies of a file, the copies associated with an organization,the organization having an ownership right in the copies; admitting aplurality of parties as members of the organization; and providingconcurrent remote playback of the copies of the files to the memberswithout violating copyrights of copyright owners of the files.
 29. Themethod of claim 28 wherein providing remote playback of the copies islimited to a maximum number of concurrent instances of providing remoteplayback based upon the number of copies stored.
 30. The method of claim28 wherein the number of members exceeds the number of copies, andwherein providing concurrent remote playback includes allowing themembers to playback the copies such that at any given instant a numberof copies being played is less than or equal to the number of copies.31. The method of claim 28 wherein the number of members exceeds thenumber of copies; and wherein providing concurrent remote playbackincludes allowing the members to playback the copies such that at anygiven instant a number of copies being played may be greater than thenumber of copies; and wherein different portions of the copies are beingplayed such that a number of same portions being played simultaneouslyis less than or equal to the number of copies. 32-36. (canceled)
 37. Adevice for playback of a file, the device comprising: an interfacemodule adapted to request playback of a first copy of a file associatedwith a first party having an ownership right in the first copy of thefile; and a file playback module coupled to the interface module andadapted to receive and concurrently playback, without storing, the firstcopy of the file.
 38. The device of claim 37 wherein the interfacemodule is adapted to request playback of the first copy of the file froma server in response to a user request entered into the device via theinterface module, and the playback module is further adapted playbackthe file without violating a copyright of a copyright owner of the file,the file being a copyrightable expression.
 39. The device of claim 37wherein the file playback module is further adapted to receive the firstcopy of the file streamed from the server at a rate suitable forimmediate playback on the device with minimal buffering in the devicewherein the device is does not store any portion of the first copy ofthe file for any substantial amount of time.
 40. The device of claim 39wherein the file playback module is further adapted to provide playbackusing a protocol wherein only an insubstantial portion of the file isstored at any given time.
 41. The device of claim 40 wherein aninsubstantial portion of the file includes a portion of the file havinga length such that the portion is not recognizable via direct humanperception as being uniquely part of the file.
 42. The device of claim37 wherein the file playback module is further adapted to provideplayback using a voice over internet protocol (VOIP).
 43. The device ofclaim 37 wherein the file playback module is further adapted to receivethe file from a server and to play the file without creating a copy ofthe file.
 44. The device of claim 37 wherein the file playback module isfurther adapted to receive an encrypted version of the file, and todecrypt and play the file for the first party without buffering asubstantial portion of the file at any given time.
 45. The device ofclaim 37 wherein the file playback module includes a unique identifierthat exclusively associates the device with the first party.
 46. Thedevice of claim 37 wherein the device includes a secure perimeteradapted to prevent access to an electronic version of the received file.47. The device of claim 37 wherein the interface module is furtheradapted to allow a user to pay a fee for playback of the file.
 48. Thedevice of claim 37 wherein the interface module is further adapted toallow a user to manage playback lists of files.
 49. The device of claim37 wherein the interface module is further adapted to allow a user tosell files.
 50. The device of claim 37 wherein the device is adapted tostore information regarding playback of the first copy of the file. 51.The device of claim 50 wherein the device is further adapted to compilethe stored information and to transmit the compilation to a marketingserver.